Mahinog, CAMIGUIN---To strengthen the organic agriculture practices in Camiguin, a comprehensive training program was conducted on March 17-21, 2025 for farmers and Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs). This initiative, led by the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center X (ATI-RTC X), aimed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to meet the certification and accreditation requirements for Organic Certifying Bodies (OCBs) under the Organic Agriculture Act (RA 10068) and its amendment, RA 11511.
The need for this training emerged from a gap identified during a Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) training in Mahinog, Camiguin. It was observed that some participants, including PGS members and AEWs from the five municipalities of Camiguin, lacked essential knowledge in key areas required for OCB certification. These areas included crop production, livestock production, processing, soil amendments, and the use of biocontrol agents. Additionally, the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) mandates that a PGS group must be certified in at least two scopes to qualify as an OCB.
To bridge this gap, ATI-RTC X organized a training program aimed at enhancing the capacity of five AEWs and 25 PGS members (farmers) in organic agriculture practices. By the end of the training, participants were expected to be well-equipped to meet the certification requirements necessary to apply as an OCB.
The training featured a wide range of experienced speakers, each sharing their knowledge and expertise on various aspects of organic farming:
- Mr. Javier P. Andalan, Senior Agriculturist from ATI-RTC X, opened the training with a discussion on the legal framework, including RA 10068, its amendment RA 11511, and the Philippine National Standards (PNS) for Organic Agriculture. He also discussed the fundamental role of soil management in organic agriculture. According to Mr. Andalan, understanding soil health is crucial, as soil serves as the foundation for all organic farming practices.
- Mr. Fedil A. Tapales, Senior Agriculturist from PAO, Camiguin, focused on the importance of composting and vermiculture in producing organic fertilizers. He provided participants with in-depth knowledge on organic vegetable production, emphasizing sustainable practices and the benefits of utilizing organic inputs in farming.
- Ms. Cherry M. Agbon, ATI-RTC X Technical Staff, introduced various organic concoctions and extracts, explaining their uses, benefits, and procedures. She highlighted the importance of these concoctions in sustainable farming and the role they play in pest management and plant health.
- Mr. Christopher Jiss Tabor, PVO AI Technician, presented on raising organic chickens, detailing the protocols and management practices involved in organic poultry production. His session helped participants understand the principles of organic livestock management and the benefits of adhering to organic standards in poultry farming.
- Dr. Rowland Awiten, PVO Veterinarian, concluded the training by discussing the basic concepts of raising small ruminants following the Philippine National Standards (PNS). His session provided valuable insights into the management and care of small ruminants like goats and sheep within the framework of organic agriculture.
Participant Feedback and Impact
One of the key outcomes of the training was the positive feedback from the participants, particularly from Ms. Elizabeth W. Jandog, a farmer from Sagay. She expressed her gratitude for the knowledge gained during the training, highlighting how it had improved her understanding of organic farming techniques. Ms. Jandog was especially thrilled to learn about the use of organic concoctions like OHN (Oriental Herbal Nutrient) for treating poultry diseases and FPJ (Fermented Plant Juice) for spraying on vegetables.
Additionally, she was delighted to discover that common weeds found in her yard, such as kulasihan, alugbati, and hangunoy, could be used as natural remedies for pests like aphids. This additional knowledge not only empowered her to address plant health issues more effectively but also encouraged her to use locally available resources in her farming practices.
The training on Organic Agriculture Technologies in Camiguin was a significant step toward enhancing the knowledge and skills of local farmers and agricultural extension workers. By equipping participants with the necessary tools and understanding of organic farming practices, ATI-RTC X is helping to ensure that Camiguin's farmers are well-prepared to meet the certification requirements for Organic Certifying Bodies (OCBs). This initiative not only supports the growth of organic agriculture in the province but also contributes to the broader goals of promoting sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices across the country. (with reports from Cherry Agbon, Technical Support Staff)
